Phoenix Police Department implements new speed enforcement strategy
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
The Phoenix Police Department is working to improve street safety by implementing a new data-driven traffic enforcement program, police officials say is focused on reducing speeding.
Phoenix Police Department officials tell the Digital Free Press they have identified areas requiring increased enforcement by using data showing areas with frequent serious injury or fatal vehicle collisions.
Unlike traditional speed enforcement methods, the department’s new strategy focuses on education, high-visibility enforcement and transparency, officials at City Hall say.
The speed enforcement program consists of a 4-week cycle in each identified area whereas police officials say the first week will involve using a radar trailer to track speeds and inform drivers of their current speed. This will be followed by a week of motorcycle enforcement.
The third week, however, will see an increase in marked patrol presence to monitor and enforce speed limits. Finally, the fourth week will again utilize the radar trailer to track speeds.
The new Phoenix speed enforcement program was preliminarily rolled out in two areas with a posted speed limit of 40 and 45 miles per hour. During week one, the radar trailer tracked nearly 250,000 vehicles between the two areas and recorded a maximum speed of 120 mph. In weeks two and three of enforcement, 242 citations were issued with 438 charges, police officials report.
The fastest cited speed was 107 mph, police say.
“We want the public to know that we are actively working towards making our roads safer for everyone,” Assistant Chief Nicholas DiPonzio said in a prepared statement. “This is not about hiding and catching drivers off guard, it’s about preventing accidents and saving lives.”
It’s important to note that this program will be implemented multiple times in each identified area across the city of Phoenix, not just once.
“We urge all drivers to be mindful of their speed and follow posted limits at all times,” Assistant Chief DiPonzio said. “If you see a radar trailer in your area, please expect traffic enforcement measures to follow.”
